Retainer wire – prices, reimbursements, and annual costs in 2025

After months of braces or aligners, the retainer wire becomes your best ally to definitively stabilize your teeth. However, the question often arises: “What is the price of a retainer wire and who will pay for it?”

Between the Social Security base, additional fees, and mutual insurance guarantees, it’s easy to get lost. This article clarifies: We will break down the “1st year retention package” here, which is the official pricing framework designed to stabilize teeth after orthodontic treatment. This pricing framework is based on the NGAP, the national grid that defines reimbursable procedures and their amounts.

We will see what Health Insurance actually covers, how supplementary mutual insurance works, and why, in France, even the most modern solutions like PEEK wire – do not cost the patient more than a classic steel wire.

You will also discover how to read an orthodontic quote before signing it, avoid unpleasant surprises in case of material change, and estimate the real ten-year cost of your mandatory retainer wire.

Happy reading: your wallet (and your smile) will thank you.

How to compare the price of a retainer?

Billing “per year” rather than per wire

In France, most practices do not refer to a unit price for the wire itself; they bill a “1st year retention package”. This procedure is coded TO 75 in the General Nomenclature of Professional Acts (NGAP): it covers the placement of the wire, as well as three to four follow-up visits spread over twelve months.

The result? When you read a quote, the total amount may seem high compared to the simple cost of the metal chain or polymer, but it already includes all the essential monitoring to prevent a relapse.

The cost per year of stabilization

The correct way to evaluate the budget is therefore to reduce each solution to an annual cost over a long period – generally ten years.

It should be noted, however, that in France, Social Security and mutual insurance companies reimburse orthodontic retainers very well. In the vast majority of cases, no additional cost is applied to the patient, even when the practitioner chooses a device that is newer or more comfortable than a simple steel wire.

Device	1st year package price*	Average lifespan	Cost over 10 years
Twisted steel wire	€300	12–15 years (≈ 5–8% breakage or re-bonding)	€380 ≈ €38/year
PEEK eZtain wire	€400	30 to 40+ years (0% breakage measured at 5 years)	€400 ≈ €20/year
Essix retainer	€200	2 years	€1,000 ≈ €100/year

*Average prices France 2025, installation and controls included.

Clearly, a metal package seems cheaper initially, but PEEK wire quickly becomes more cost-effective: no removal before an MRI, almost zero breakage, and therefore no unexpected re-bonding.

Invisible expenses – and euros add up without warning

The price of a retainer wire may seem negligible – or even zero – when it is fully covered by Social Security and your mutual insurance during the first year. But this coverage does not extend beyond that.

After this period, any replacements or repairs are no longer reimbursed, and that is when the true cost of the device begins to reveal itself.

• Breakage or debonding: €70 – €90 for repair (not reimbursed).
• Removal before MRI: ~€60 for removal + €300 for re-insertion for a steel wire; €0 with PEEK, which is radiolucent.
• Recurrent replacements for a retainer: €200 every two years.

Taking these hidden costs into account helps avoid an unpleasant surprise when adding up the figures long after signing the quote.

How is the price of a 1st year retention package structured?

The four components of the price

1. Placement and chair time: 30 – 45 minutes of meticulous work.
2. Material :
   • Stainless steel: €10 – €30 for raw material.
   • PEEK eZtain: €90 / arch (custom machining, 3D scan).
3. Follow-up included: three to four check-ups spread throughout the year, cleaning, minor adjustments.
4. Essix Option: In certain specific cases, practitioners may choose to add removable retainers in addition to the retainer wire. These retainers are delivered in sets of 3 and should last 2 to 3 years depending on their wear. Their price of €200 is then added to the total cost.

What Social Security reimburses

Procedure	Code	SS Base	Rate	Reimbursed amount
1st year of retention	TO 75	€161.25	100% (< 16 years old)	€161.25
2nd year of retention	TO 50	€107.50	60 %	€64.50

Beyond two years or for adults, CPAM no longer pays anything: one must then rely on supplementary health insurance.

→ Please note: the 100% here only covers the tariff base set by Social Security. If your orthodontist charges beyond this amount (which is very common), only your mutual insurance can cover this excess.

What mutual insurance covers (and what it leaves out)

Orthodontic mutual insurance contracts are expressed as a percentage of the Social Security reimbursement base (BRSS): 100%, 200%, 300%, etc. A 300% contract, for example, allows for reimbursement up to €483.75 for the first year of retention – which easily covers a classic steel wire retainer, and is generally sufficient to absorb any additional costs related to a PEEK eZtain wire (in the rare cases where your orthodontist applies them).

Signed quote, additional fees, and material change

The retainer wire is clearly stated on the orthodontic quote signed before the start of treatment.

Want to switch from standard steel to PEEK after the fact? An amendment will then be required: the practitioner may potentially add additional fees (HN), which your mutual insurance may or may not cover.

Our budget tip? Request PEEK eZtain upon signing your orthodontic quote to avoid any unforeseen supplements.

Who pays what? The classic example of a 300% BRSS mutual insurance

The table below illustrates a standard case where the PEEK eZtain retainer wire is directly integrated into the annual package (TO 75) signed at the beginning of treatment.

In this case, the practitioner simply replaces the steel wire with PEEK, without billing it as a supplement: the overall fee remains unique, and coverage by Social Security and your mutual insurance works as it would for a classic retainer.

1st year package	Overall fee	Social Security	Mutual insurance 300% BRSS	Patient’s remaining cost
Standard steel wire	€355	€161.25	€193.75	€0
PEEK eZtain wire (2 arches)	€480	€161.25	€322.50	€0

In France, the price of a retainer wire is almost always zero for the patient

In France, nine out of ten treatments begin before the age of 16: the Social Security base already covers €161.25, and an “average” mutual insurance (200%) thus absorbs the rest without any additional cost to the patient.

For adults, CPAM withdraws and is no longer involved, but adult orthodontic contracts at 300% – 400% generally compensate for the difference.

In practice, a steel package or a PEEK eZtain wire often result in the same out-of-pocket cost for both children and adults… provided, however, that you check your coverage before signing.

Fees charged in practices (in France in 2025)

Orthodontic fees remain unregulated: each practitioner sets their prices “with tact and moderation” according to the orthodontic board. They are therefore not obliged to adhere to the tariff bases reimbursed by social security. However, 2025 surveys converge towards the ranges below — to be compared, naturally, with your personal quote:

Patient	Applicable SS Base	Average 1st year fee	Low range	High range
Child / adolescent	€161.25 reimbursed (TO 75)	€355	€250	€500
Adult	€0 CPAM (mutual insurance based on €161.25)	€450	€300	€800

In short, for a child, the Social Security portion already covers 45% to 65% of the package; the rest then depends on mutual insurance companies, which, however, finance this type of operation very well.

For adults, the final bill relies entirely on supplementary insurance or out-of-pocket payment.

Why is a €700 fee not uncommon for adults?

Why mention €700? Because it is the maximum price that many adult patients encounter online or on their retainer wire quote; it may seem excessive at first glance, but it is explained by several cumulative factors, as follows:

1. Mixed retention: many adults combine a bonded wire and a night retainer to ensure stability → two devices, two chair times, two check-ups.
2. Premium material: adults are more sensitive to aesthetics; they often opt for a composite fiber wire or PEEK eZtain on two arches, increasing the raw material cost.
3. Enhanced follow-up: For an adult, the practitioner plans up to four visits in the first year (travel, cleaning, adjustments), each valued between €60 and €90.
4. High-fee area: Inner Paris, the French Riviera, or French-speaking Switzerland have higher living costs and rents; thus, an adult retainer wire price of €700 remains consistent with the local economic reality.
5. Clinical added value: some practices integrate a systematic photo/3D scan protocol, a high-end hygiene kit, and a breakage-replacement guarantee, all billed within the package.

So to speak, the figure of €700 is not an abuse: it reflects an “all-inclusive” package that combines comfort, aesthetics, and long-term security.

Hence the importance of reading the quote details and checking whether your mutual insurance caps or covers this level of services.

Steel, PEEK eZtain, retainer: what is the value for money of your retainer wire?

To understand the cost/benefit logic, one must look beyond the simple price of your retainer wire: durability, comfort, MRI compatibility, and frequency of unforeseen events quickly outweigh a few tens of euros.

Criterion	Twisted steel wire	PEEK eZtain wire	Essix night retainer
1st year price (placement + follow-up – reimbursement not included)	≈ €300	≈ €400	≈ €200
Observed lifespan	8–12 years (2% breakage/year)	20+ years (no breakage measured at 5 years)	2 years (wear)
Cost over 10 years	~ €380	~ €400	~ €1,000
MRI compatibility	❌ mandatory removal	✅ radiolucent	✅
Aesthetics	thin gray bar, not very visible	almost invisible, tooth-colored	invisible (night wear)
Comfort / hygiene	requires the use of interdental brushes to control plaque accumulation	smooth surface with less plaque	mandatory daily out-of-mouth cleaning
Unforeseen risks	breakage/debonding and pre-MRI removal	almost none	loss, forgetting, replacements, and wear

Steel remains the most “inexpensive” solution initially, but it weakens over time: each breakage or removal for MRI adds small costs that eventually add up significantly. Conversely, a PEEK eZtain retainer – a bit more expensive if your mutual insurance is limited – quickly pays for itself: zero documented breakage, no removal before medical imaging, more comfort, and almost total discretion.

The Essix retainer seems unbeatable on the day of placement, but it’s a deception: it wears out, gets lost… and above all, less than 10% of patients still wear it after two years. Result: costly replacements every 18-24 months and a high risk of orthodontic relapse. Over ten years, its cost can triple, while a well-bonded PEEK wire protects your alignment day and night throughout your life.

How does PEEK change the game?

Because it’s not just a “more expensive wire,” but a true technological evolution. This new-generation material transforms both the patient’s and the practitioner’s experience – here’s why:

• Zero metal: no more nickel allergies and distorted MRI images. PEEK is compatible with all examinations and suitable for sensitive patients.
• Custom machining via intra-oral scanner: instead of bending a wire by hand, the orthodontist receives a bar machined with surgical precision. Result: placement is faster and more stable over time.
• Ultra-smooth surface: less plaque, less tartar, therefore fewer debondings and less re-bonding – a real gain in comfort.
• Breakage guarantee in practices: because breakage is extremely rare, most practitioners offer a free replacement in case of unforeseen events, which has not yet occurred on the more than 10,000 retainers placed in the last 5 years.

Changing or replacing a wire: costs & coverage

It sometimes happens that a patient needs to replace their retainer wire – due to breakage, detachment, discomfort, or simply the desire to switch to a more aesthetic material. Here is what you need to know about the cost of replacing a retainer wire.

Situation	Average Price 2025	Social Security	Supplementary Health Insurance*	Good to know
Partial Re-bonding (1 tooth)	€70 – €90	€0	Rare (outside global package)	Recommended to act within 48 hours to prevent tooth movement
Full Steel Replacement	€150 – €300	€0 (> 16 years old)	depending on adult orthodontic package	includes removal, enamel cleaning, new wire placement
Removal + Re-insertion before MRI (steel)	≈ €360 (€60 + €300)	€0	sometimes partially covered	close appointments to avoid remaining without retention
MRI Removal with PEEK	—	—	—	unnecessary: radiotransparent wire

* Basis: 300% BR contract or “actual costs” package.

A PEEK retainer wire is virtually unbreakable — to date, no replacement has been necessary since eZtain’s launch. And even in the rare event that it should occur, the raw material is never re-invoiced by eZtain Lab. Result? The majority of practitioners cover the procedure without additional fees, or apply a symbolic cost.

“Upgrade” Scenario: Upgrading from a Steel Wire to an eZtain PEEK Wire

Here’s how to transition your treatment to an eZtain PEEK retainer wire, even if a steel wire is initially planned. It’s a simple process that can be smoothly managed with your practitioner.

• Amendment to Quote: Your orthodontist can add a small amendment to the initial quote, including the additional cost related to the material (approx. €180 for both arches). This is a quick and common formality.
• Supplementary Health Insurance: With 300% BRSS coverage or an adult orthodontics package, this supplement is often fully covered. Remember to check your benefits table.
• Placement: During the appointment, the practitioner removes the old wire, performs an intra-oral scan, and then bonds the new PEEK wire. Everything is done in a single session of approximately 45 minutes.
• Return on Investment: No need to remove the wire before an MRI, virtually no risk of breakage, increased comfort… This change represents lasting peace of mind and can even generate indirect savings over several years.

Good Practice in Case of Retainer Wire Breakage

• Protect the tongue with a ball of orthodontic wax.
• Contact your orthodontist within 24 hours to re-bond or replace; beyond 48 hours, the anterior teeth may already start to shift.
• Ask if the repair is covered by the warranty (some PEEK packages include coverage).

Replacing a wire is therefore not financially insignificant: it is better to invest in a durable solution compatible with your future medical examinations rather than multiplying small, unreimbursed interventions. When comparing the cost of a retainer wire over several years, certain options like eZtain PEEK offer a much better cost/benefit ratio than initially appears.

Supplementary Health Insurance Reimbursement: 100% to 400% BRSS

Once the Social Security portion is deducted (€161.25 for the first year), everything depends on your supplementary insurance’s orthodontics coverage level. Contracts are expressed as a percentage of the Social Security Reimbursement Basis (BRSS); for a TO 75 procedure, the BRSS is €161.25.

Coverage Level	Reimbursable Ceiling / Year	Concrete Impact on a €355 Package
100% BR	€161.25	Social Security covers €161.25 → €193.75 remaining to pay
200% BR	€322.50	Social Security €161.25 + Supplementary Insurance €161.25 → €32.50 remaining
300% BR	€483.75	Social Security €161.25 + Supplementary Insurance €193.75 → €0 remaining on a steel package
400% BR or “actual costs”	≥ €645	Covers a high-end package (€700) or a PEEK surcharge for two arches

Key takeaway: With a 300% BR contract, the majority of steel packages (approx. €355) and even the material supplement for the eZtain PEEK wire (approx. €180) are fully covered. However, 100% or 150% plans leave a significant remaining balance (up to €200), especially for adults where CPAM no longer intervenes. Before signing your quote, therefore, ask your insurer for the exact benefits table: the “300% BR” value or an “actual costs” package literally changes the game.

How to Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses Without Sacrificing Quality?

Even before treatment, check the “retention” line on your orthodontic quote. Ensure that the desired material — steel wire or eZtain PEEK retainer wire — is explicitly stated there. This helps avoid any unexpected additional fees at the end of the treatment.

Also compare supplementary health insurance plans if you are starting treatment: a 300% BR contract or an “adult orthodontics €500/year” package often costs only slightly more per month, but can save you several hundred euros when the device is placed.

Consider choosing a practice that “absorbs” the additional cost of PEEK: in many large cities, practitioners who already charge more than €500 for the retention year often include the premium material without adding out-of-nomenclature charges — do not hesitate to get it in writing.

Don’t forget the indirect savings:

• A radiotransparent wire avoids removal and re-insertion costs for MRI.
• An unbreakable material drastically reduces the risk of repairs (€70–€90 per out-of-warranty intervention).
• Maintaining follow-up appointments prevents uncovered incidents.

By combining a well-drafted quote, suitable supplementary health insurance, and a durable retainer wire like eZtain PEEK, your out-of-pocket expenses can approach zero — with the added bonus of comfort and peace of mind for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Retainer Wire Cost, Reimbursement, and Durable Choice — What You Really Need to Remember

The classic retention package is around €355; for those under 16, Social Security already covers €161.25. With 300% BRSS supplementary health insurance, even a high-end wire like eZtain PEEK results in an out-of-pocket expense close to zero, while eliminating hidden costs (breakage, MRI removal). In short, investing in a durable, radiotransparent, and virtually unbreakable material protects your smile and your budget in the long term.

Ready to switch to next-generation retention? Find an eZtain partner orthodontist and request your quote today.

About the Author

Dr. Nicolas Philippides is an orthodontist, graduated from the University of Strasbourg, and holds a postgraduate degree (CES) in dentofacial orthopedics. With several years of clinical practice, he has treated hundreds of patients, maintaining a constant focus on long-term stability and comfort.

Confronted with the limitations of conventional retainers, he founded eZtain Lab in 2022—a project born from a simple yet recurring clinical observation: too many relapses caused by poorly adapted or fragile retainer wires. In collaboration with INSA, he developed a new generation of custom-made PEEK retainer wires, designed to be comfortable, durable, and precisely adapted to each patient.

Today, his research and clinical experience are driven by a single ambition: to offer reliable devices, built to last, and fully aligned with the demands of modern orthodontics.